The role of self-restraint and self-regulation of emotion in mediating the relationship between ADHD and hyperfocus

Brandt, Benjamin (2025) The role of self-restraint and self-regulation of emotion in mediating the relationship between ADHD and hyperfocus. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Particularly the link between ADHD and reward-related hyperfocus (RHH), a state of extremely narrow attentional focus during rewarding activities has become of interest to contemporary research. Research suggests executive functions (EF) have a mediating effect on the relationship between ADHD and various measures of hyperfocus, yet it has failed to establish such a relationship for RHH. To address this gap, the present study aims to clarify the role of two specific EF, namely self-restraint (SR) and self-regulation of emotion (SRE) as potential mediators in the relationship between ADHD and RHH. Parallel mediation was performed on a sample of 347 undergraduate psychology students enrolled at the University of Groningen. Statistical analysis yielded a positive significant indirect effect for SR in the relationship between ADHD and RHH, but not SRE. Additionally, greater deficits in both SR and SRE are associated with more frequent hyperfocus experiences during rewarding tasks. These findings indicate that difficulties with SR contribute to prolonged engagement in rewarding tasks in ADHD. Previous studies have examined broad executive function impairments in ADHD, but this study highlights the specific impact that deficits in SR have on RHH. This adds to a more nuanced understanding of the link between hyperfocus and ADHD. In light of the null-finding for SRE, future investigations of mechanisms such as reward-sensitivity, or valence of emotional processing should be considered in the context of hyperfocus.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Garcia Pimenta, M.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	10 Jul 2025 07:12
Last Modified:	10 Jul 2025 07:12
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/5407

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